DE GRAAF (nee Nuijens), Theodora

DE GRAAF (nee Nuijens), Theodora 1935 – 2026 Theodora (Thea) de Graaf passed away on October 11, 2026 at the Good Samaritan West Highland Centre at the age of 90.
Thea was born November 23, 1935 on a dairy farm in Julianadorp, North Holland. On February 21st, 1957, Thea married Arie de Graaf. Shortly after, they emigrated to Canada without knowing a word of English and $200 to their names. They resided first in Edmonton, and eventually found a place to call home on a small farm just outside of Lethbridge.
Thea found great joy in spending time with her grandkids. She was an avid knitter and crocheter with many of her pieces still in family circulation. Thea enjoyed golfing at the Country Club, going for walks, solving wonder word puzzles, working outdoors and was known for her green thumb. She was famous for her apple Oliebollen and Boxing Day flank steak meal which will surely be missed.
Thea is survived by her children, Jane Boras, Sid (Sibar), and Arthur. Her five grandchildren, Kaelin (Sean), Aaron, Tara (Kyle), Elle, and Tory (Anna); and three great-grandchildren, Goldie, Lucy, and Bodhi. She was predeceased by her husband Art in 2019, and son-in-law Don Boras in 2020. She was the last surviving sibling of 15 children. She will be deeply missed by her friends and loved ones.
Thea’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Cottage staff at West Highlands for their exceptional kindness, compassion, and care shown to Thea during her time there.
As per Thea’s request, no funeral will take place.
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca